Symmetrical, single point drive for contacts of an integrated circuit tester

Abstract

A drive system flexes the free ends of two parallel sets of contacts into electrical connection with two parallel rows of leads on an integrated circuit. The drive system uses a pair of opposed, identical actuator arms. A common, movable pivot axis, preferably one defined by a link pin pivotally connected to both arms, connects one end of the arms. A solenoid drive is connected to the link pin. Activation of the solenoid draws the link pin towards it which rotates each arm about a fixed pivot point to generate a symmetrical, pincer-like movement of the free ends of the arms. Push bars secured to these free ends drive the contacts into a flexed position. The symmetrical motion of the push bars minimizes lateral movement of the integrated circuit and develops a generally uniform contact force at all of the leads. A cable with an adjustable length preferably couples the drive element with the link pin.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A drive system for flexing the free ends of two parallel, spaced apart rows of contacts in a contact assembly into electrical connection with two generally parallel rows of leads of an integrated circuit that is positioned at a test site between the rows of contacts, said flexing occurring generally along a first lateral direction and said leads each extending generally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, comprising, drive means that produces a linear movement generally along said second direction, generally along an axis of symmetry for said drive system, and away from said integrated circuit,   a pair of push bars that each extend in a third direction perpendicular to said first and second directions and adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of and adjacent to said two parallel rows of contacts, and   a pair of actuator arms each mounted for a rotating movement about a fixed axis and extending generally in said second direction, each of said fixed axes being laterally offset from said axis of symmetry generally in said first direction, each of said arms having a free end that mounts one of said push bars and a driven end, said free and driven ends lying on opposite sides of said fixed axis of rotation, and   means for operatively coupling said drive means simultaneously to both of said actuator arms at their driven ends so that said linear movement of said drive means is converted into a symmetrical reciprocating movement of said push bars, generally along said first direction, between a retracted position where said contacts are spaced from said leads and a flexed position where said contacts are each in electrical connection with an associated one of said leads, wherein said coupling means comprises an unguided, flexible cord.   
     
     
       2. The drive system according to claim 1 wherein said actuator arms each have a first portion that extends from said fixed axis of rotation to said free end and a second portion that extends from said fixed axis of rotation to said driven end. 
     
     
       3. The drive system according to claim 2 wherein said coupling means includes a link pin that is pivotally connected to said actuator arms at a single pivot axis, said link pin being movable in said second direction in response to a movement of said drive means. 
     
     
       4. The drive system according to claim 3 wherein said coupling means further includes linkage means secured at one end to said drive means and secured at the other end to said link pin. 
     
     
       5. The drive system according to claims 1 or 4 further comprising means for urging said actuator arms toward said retracted position, said urging means acting in opposition to said drive means. 
     
     
       6. The drive means according to claim 4 wherein said linkage means is replaceably secured to said link pin. 
     
     
       7. The drive system according to claim 4 further comprising means for adjusting the initial rest position of said link pin, wherein said push bars are in the retracted position along said second direction. 
     
     
       8. The drive system according to claim 7 wherein said adjusting means comprises means for changing the length of said linkage means. 
     
     
       9. The drive system according to claim 7 wherein said adjusting means comprises means for changing the position of said drive means.